Leads sought in hit-skip that killed high school coach

Investigators say they have few leads that could help them find the driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed St. Francis DeSales coach and longtime teacher Robert “Bob” Lennon last weekend.

They need help from anyone who might have information about what little they have to go on.

“We’re confident that somebody out there knows more information about this tragedy,” said Delaware County Sheriff Russ Martin.

At a news conference yesterday afternoon, Sgt. Marcus Pirrone of the Delaware post of the State Highway Patrol displayed photos of what investigators believe could be a piece of the bumper of the vehicle that hit Lennon. The bumper is dark charcoal gray.

Investigators also are seeking information about a car that appeared to be following closely behind the vehicle that struck the popular teacher and coach.

Lennon, 64, taught science and coached cross country at St. Francis DeSales for about 40 years. He was out for a bike ride on Sunday when he was hit and left in a ditch. Investigators think Lennon was heading south on Miller Paul Road about 11:30 a.m. when he was hit by a southbound car that left the scene.

The patrol has made no arrests, but investigators say they are looking for a charcoal-gray car with “substantial damage” to the front right end. They had no details about the other vehicle.

Detectives sent Lennon’s bicycle and helmet to the state crime lab for analysis, and the FBI is using cellphone data to try to track down people who might have been in the area that day.

State Highway Patrol Lt. Anne Ralston said investigators did not know whether Lennon was on his bike or off it when he was struck.

Ralston said investigators found broken glass at the scene and suspect that the windshield of the car that hit Lennon could be broken.

“We don’t have a lot to go on,” Ralston said. “Somebody knows the person that was involved in this crash.”

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call them at 614-466-2660.